Draft analyst’s new positional rankings include shakeup at QB1

Is there any chance Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is drafted before LSU’s Joe Burrow? And has Alabama’s Xavier McKinney surpassed LSU’s Grant Delpit in the safety pecking order?

The answer is “yes,” according to The NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks.

Brooks recently released his first positional rankings, and most of the usual suspects made his list.

The only two big surprises come from his QB and safety rankings, where he has Tagovailoa as his No. 1 QB and McKinney as his top safety.

From Brooks:

“Tagovailoa is the most talented QB1 in the class, with a game that makes him feel like a left-handed version of Drew Brees. Despite an injury history that could make some decision-makers pause, Tagovailoa’s A+ arm talent, athleticism and intangibles make him an intriguing option as a franchise quarterback.”

Recent reports say Tagovailoa’s fractured hip has healed and that he is expected to resume football activities in a month.

https://youtu.be/Gl2SOTUW20I

Brooks didn’t give a reason why he ranked Tagovailoa higher than Burrow, instead heaping praise on the LSU senior.

“Burrow is coming off the best season by a quarterback in college football history,” Brooks said. “He is a high-IQ playmaker with outstanding rhythm as a passer. He throws with superb touch, timing and anticipation. He also flashes impressive movement skills as a runner.”

Tagovailoa is the No. 6 overall prospect in the latest Fanspeak-Steve big board, while Burrow is the top prospect.

As for the safety debate, there have been whispers for months now that Delpit could slide in the draft after an average season, even though it’s been reported that the LSU junior dealt with nagging injuries throughout the season.

From Brooks:

“McKinney is a box-area defender with a knack for finding the action as a ‘see ball, get ball’ playmaker. He brings toughness, tackling and range as a projected strong safety. Delpit is an athletic middle-of-the-field defender with outstanding range and awareness. However, he has shown some inconsistencies as a tackler and there are questions that persist regarding his overall physicality/toughness.”

Delpit is the No. 12 overall prospect in the latest Fanspeak-Steve big board, while McKinney checks in just outside the first round as the No. 33 overall prospect.

Grant Delpit or Xavier McKinney, Who’s the Better fit With the Cowboys? https://t.co/1ZlGz5tjIc #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/L1sWHuR0FT

— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) February 13, 2020